Moroccan Scholars Dominate International Student Scene in France

In a striking display of academic prowess, Moroccan students have once again secured their position as the largest foreign student community in France, according to the latest annual report from Campus France agency. The "Key Figures in Student Mobility" report for 2024 paints a vivid picture of Morocco's educational influence on French soil.

The 2022-2023 academic year saw a total of 412,087 international students gracing French institutions, with an impressive 45,162 hailing from Morocco. This figure outpaces other significant contributors, including Algeria (32,147) and China (25,605). The Moroccan contingent has shown remarkable growth, with a 13% increase between 2017 and 2022, now representing 11% of the total international student population in France.

Perhaps most notably, Moroccan students have carved out a significant niche in French engineering schools. With 6,110 students enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year, Morocco stands as the primary country of origin for foreign students in this field. This represents a substantial 26% increase over the 2017-2022 period, underscoring the technical acumen of Moroccan scholars.

The influence of Moroccan students extends beyond engineering into the realm of business education. They constitute 14% of the international student body in French business schools, ranking second only to China. The number of Moroccan students in these institutions has seen a staggering 95% increase over the past five years, nearly doubling to 8,058 in 2022-2023.

At the doctoral level, Morocco continues to make its mark, ranking among the top 10 countries of origin for international students. Moroccan doctoral candidates comprise 6% of the foreign doctoral student population in France, further cementing the country's academic reputation.

France's appeal as an educational destination remains strong, with a 3% increase in international student numbers over one year and a 17% rise over five years. Students from North Africa, in particular, form the largest contingents, with Morocco at the forefront.

However, the report suggests that the landscape of international student mobility may be shifting. Recent policy changes announced by major host countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands aim to limit the number of international students. These measures could potentially slow the growth of student mobility in the coming years.

Despite these potential challenges, France maintains its position as the 6th most popular host country for international students worldwide. The continued dominance of Moroccan students in this arena serves as a testament to the enduring educational ties between Morocco and France, as well as the academic excellence of Moroccan scholars on the global stage.

As the educational landscape evolves, the presence and success of Moroccan students in France stand as a beacon of international academic collaboration and achievement.